Start a Business in New York State

Understand State licensing and permitting
Visit the NYS Business Wizard to determine the requirements for your business and apply for the right license or permit.

• Sole proprietorships and general partnerships file in the county where they’re located.
• Business Corporations file a Certificate of Incorporation with the Department of State.
• Limited liability companies file Articles of Organization with the Department of State.
• Limited partnerships file a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Department of State.

Get your Federal Tax ID

• Also known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN). Simply go to the IRS link and apply.

Register as a NYS Sales Tax Vendor

• Apply to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance for a sales tax Certificate of Authority.

Licensing and Permitting

• The NY License Center makes finding and applying for the right license or permit easy. Set up a NY.Gov ID to apply for new licenses and to manage your existing licenses and permits online.

Required Insurance

• Unemployment Insurance can be obtained through the NYS Department of Labor. Workers’ Compensation can be obtained through the New York State Insurance Fund or a private carrier.

Other Insurance

• Depending on your structure, location and employees, you may need Disability Insurance and health insurance. Disability insurance can be obtained through the New York State Insurance Fund or a private carrier. More information about health insurance can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health.

Before you open your business, there is a wealth of information and resources for you to determine how to best move forward. This includes start-up assistance, business planning and training, capital financing options, and research/market data.

Start-Up Assistance

• NYS Small Business Development Center: Get free counseling to help start your business, receive training on how to write a business and marketing plan, plus other tips on doing business with the state
• NYS Empire State Development: Get technical and small business assistance

Accessing Capital and Incentives

• NYS Empire State Development: Explore loan options, available grant, tax credits, and receive financing and technical assistance

Market Research

• SizeUp - Small Business Administration Online Tool: Map your competition, benchmark performance and find the best places to advertise

• NYS Department of Labor Data Center: Compare wages across the state and by industry

• NYS Office of Real Property Tax Services: Research local tax rates across New York